In response to finding out about the latest morally reprehensible actions Mel Gibson has been accused of, people have stated that they can no longer enjoy any of his movies. One person I know even suggested to her friends that they have a DVD burning in protest of Gibson's behavior.
The concept of a DVD burning is something I find offensive. There are obvious parallels to book burning, which, I was under the impression, was opposed by any person of intellect. I know it's a very common technique in arguments and debates for ignorant people to compare other people to Adolf Hitler or the Nazis, but the parallel actually exists here, doesn't it? It seems to be very common in dystopian literature and films for the oppressive rulers of society to burn books. How can any intelligent person think it's a good idea? In my mind, DVD burning is exactly the same as book burning, if you subtract the romanticism of book burning.
The notion of no longer being able to enjoy Mel Gibson's movies is ridiculous to me, especially considering that, in my opinion, Braveheart is one of the best movies ever made. When talking to this aforementioned person I know, trying to convince her to disassociate the art from the artist, I referenced Phil Spector. Phil Spector was a record producer and songwriter before he was found guilty of the murder of actress Lana Clarkson. I said that even though Phil Spector was convicted of murder, I am very inspired by his recordings. I realize this reference of him might have been lost on this person I know because she might not be aware of what recordings Phil Spector produced or co-wrote. I can guarantee she enjoys at least some of them though, because who the hell doesn't?
If you can no longer enjoy Mel Gibson's movies because of the morally reprehensible things he's done, then I don't see how you could enjoy the recordings of songs produced or written by a man convicted of murder either. That being said, here's a short list of some songs you can no longer enjoy:
You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' by The Righteous Brothers
Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers
Be My Baby by The Ronettes
Try Some, Buy Some by Ronnie Spector
Then He Kissed Me by The Crystals
(Today I Met) The Boy I’m Gonna Marry by Darlene Love
Imagine by John Lennon
Let It Be by The Beatles
Across The Universe by The Beatles
